PSU wont start up computer unless plugged in for a while

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drummerdimitri

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So I recently discovered that my PSU will not turn my PC on if it has been turned off and/or unplugged from the mains for some time. It will only turn back on after waiting for a bit of time so that it can somehow "recharge".

No problems turning the computer on if it is still plugged into the mains and the switch in the on position.

The only conclusion I came up with is that there are input capacitors that need to be charged up to provide the juice to "jump start" the PC. I might be wrong so if anyone has experienced a similar problem please let me know.

Thanks!
 
Solution
Phillip Corcoran
Perfectly normal. Same happens on my PC if I toggle-off the PSU or unplug it from mains supply.

You don't need to wait when it happens though - - just press & hold power button for 15-20 seconds before reconnecting to mains supply (this purges residual power from the PSU's capacitors), then restore mains supply and power button should work okay.

However, to avoid this happening, just don't switch off the PSU at the back or unplug PSU from the mains supply --- there is no need. Just shut down down your PC at night & that's all you need to do. Problem shouldn't arise then.

Only time you need to kill power to the PSU is when upgrading internal hardware, cleaning inside case etc.
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bjornl

bjornl

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I've seen similar things in the past. I would bet that your PC also won't turn on and off again immediately either (meaning the PC most likely has to be off for a few seconds before you can turn it on again).

There are capacitors in a PSU, but I'd suspect this is a "safety" setting not a need to charge the PSU up.

It is not something I would worry about.
 
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drummerdimitri

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I haven't tried turning it off and back on immediately after but will do so today.

My only concern is that this is a sign of PSU failure and not a safety feature. Not too big of an issue if that's how it's been designed to operate since it works perfectly once the PC turns on.

 
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Phillip Corcoran

Phillip Corcoran

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Perfectly normal. Same happens on my PC if I toggle-off the PSU or unplug it from mains supply.

You don't need to wait when it happens though - - just press & hold power button for 15-20 seconds before reconnecting to mains supply (this purges residual power from the PSU's capacitors), then restore mains supply and power button should work okay.

However, to avoid this happening, just don't switch off the PSU at the back or unplug PSU from the mains supply --- there is no need. Just shut down down your PC at night & that's all you need to do. Problem shouldn't arise then.

Only time you need to kill power to the PSU is when upgrading internal hardware, cleaning inside case etc.
 
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Solution
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drummerdimitri

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Thanks for the input.

The only reason I need to unplug it is because I go to lan parties every week but now that I know it's a safety feature I will just have to deal with it.

Thanks!



 
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drummerdimitri

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I would like to revisit this thread as I am not sure how this safety feature should work...

The reason being I am now mining on the computer and when the power goes out and comes back the PC doesn't turn on and stops mining...

Other than buying a UPS what other solutions exist to my problem?

 
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drummerdimitri

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Turns out there were two bulging caps that I tested and turned out bad.

Replaced them with equal capacitance units and higher voltage and now the PSU turns on and off endlessly without any hassle.

It was never a safety feature after all!
 
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